Common Web Design Mistakes Small Businesses Make

You have decided to join the online business world. You’ve read about almost everything on online marketing strategies and learned that the very first step is to build your company profile online through your own website. Let’s face it, because you own a small business, investments are vital – and where you put your investment must be carefully considered as you think of the return of investment (of course!). It is understood that you are operating on a shoestring budget for now. Added to this, you know that your website is vital for your branding and marketing.

You want to sell your product or service in your website and that any visitor is a potential client. First impression lasts. Build a good impression by avoiding these common mistakes of business websites. You may avoid losing thousands in revenues as well.

Website is a mess. Before making a design, know what you want first. Who are the potential market? What is the demographic? These should be reflected in your website. Users should easily discover on the first page where to go next as they are in your site. Experts say that when a visitor comes in and in 3 seconds they have a difficulty understanding the site or are confused what to do next, the website is not worth visiting again. So they leave and never come back.

Unclear or No call to action. Your website should always indicate what to do next. Visitors come to your site knowing what they want. So, lead them what to do next (remember the 3 seconds rule).

Content is uninteresting or not updated. It is such a tragedy that you spent time and money building your website but does not update it. Visitors are potential clients (if haven’t established customers yet) so they would want to know your latest product prices as well. Blogs must be up to date. Note that the more blogs you post, the more likely you will get more visitors. Think about a visitor being disappointed because he sees that your last blog post was 2 years ago. The customer will think that the products are of the same age as well and leave ASAP. Moreover, nowadays, users often surf using their smartphones. Your website should be compatible with that platform as well.

Spreading yourself too thin. Remember delegating? These mistakes may be because you are too focused trying to avoid costs that you do everything yourself. Tsk tsk tsk. Too focused on ROI? You don’t need to spend too much on your website. At least, someone with experience in design who understands what you want may do your website justice and who knows, get you visitors and generate leads.

What other mistakes do you think business owners make?

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